Authorities in Minnesota briefly evacuated residents within a one-mile radius of the Dyno Nobel plant south of Biwabik on Tuesday morning following reports of a fire and a potential “explosion risk.” The situation was quickly contained, and no injuries were reported.
Fire Triggers Evacuation at Dyno Nobel Plant
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a fire at the industrial explosives manufacturing plant around 11 a.m. EDT. As a precautionary measure, officials ordered evacuations in the surrounding area while fire crews worked to control the blaze.
Upon investigation, authorities determined that the fire originated near an exhaust vent. Firefighters successfully extinguished the flames, and evacuation orders were lifted shortly afterward. The extent of the damage remains unclear.
Dyno Nobel Confirms Incident, Ensures Safety
In a statement to Northern News Now, a Dyno Nobel spokesperson confirmed the fire, stating that an employee first noticed smoke and flames in a boiler room around 10 a.m. CT. The company’s on-site emergency response team followed protocol by evacuating personnel, contacting the fire department, and securing the area.
“The fire was successfully extinguished without any injuries or heat exposure to explosive products or sensitive materials on site. The team is working to ensure there are no further risks before re-starting operations, and an in-depth investigation will take place in the coming days,” the spokesperson added.
Dyno Nobel also expressed gratitude for the swift response of the local fire department and the Biwabik team in handling the situation safely.
Background on Dyno Nobel Plant
Dyno Nobel, located at 5392 Vermilion Trail, Biwabik, is a leading supplier of industrial explosives and blasting services, catering to industries such as mining, quarrying, seismic exploration, and construction.
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